“Building the Future on the Weight of Tradition”… Korea University Business School Holds

2026 KMBA and FMBA New Student Orientation

The 2026 off-campus orientation for new students of Korea MBA (K-MBA) and Finance MBA (F-MBA) at the Korea University Business School was held on Saturday, February 7, at the Grand Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul. The event was organized to help newly enrolled students understand the history and educational direction of Korea University’s MBA programs and to prepare for their upcoming academic journey. 

The ceremony began with the national ceremony and the introduction of guests. Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu, K-MBA Academic Director Professor Kwanghyun Kim, and F-MBA Academic Director Professor Taejin Kim, along with faculty members, student representatives, and alumni mentors, attended the event to welcome the new students. 

In a congratulatory video message, Dean Eonsoo Kim referred to K-MBA as the first MBA program in Korea and stated, “Balancing work and study is by no means easy, but the trust built through that shared experience becomes one of the greatest assets of Korea University’s MBA.” 

The new students then recited the Student Code of Ethics, pledging their commitment to academic responsibility and a strong sense of community. 

During the program briefing session, the practice-oriented curriculum of K-MBA designed to strengthen professional competencies, as well as systems aimed at expanding professional networks, were introduced. The course registration bidding system, overseas field trips, and the Renaissance Program designed to meet global standards were explained, while F-MBA also shared details about its finance-specialized curriculum and program structure. Both programs emphasized an educational structure that balances theory with practical experience. 

In the student council and alumni association session, the extensive alumni network was highlighted. Beommoo Hur, President of the K-MBA Alumni Association, remarked, “We find it especially meaningful to welcome the new semester alongside the achievement of ranking No. 1 in Korea in the THE Business and Economics category in 2026,” adding, “I hope that the decision you make at this moment will become an important turning point in your long professional journey.” 

Secretary General Jungkwon Kim and Executive Director Inwoo Lee then introduced the current status of approximately 10,000 alumni active across various fields since the program’s launch in 1963, as well as the ‘Alumni Directory’ system, explaining practical ways to leverage the network. 

In the special lecture session, Professor Younghun Cho of the Department of History Education at Korea University delivered a talk titled “The Path of Management.” Professor Cho connected the historical transformations surrounding the founding of Boseong College in 1905 with today’s transition into the era of generative AI, reflecting on the role business education has played during periods of major transformation. 

He emphasized, “In times when a new order is taking shape, it becomes even more important to ask fundamental questions.” Referring to the pioneering role Boseong College played during the introduction of modern academic disciplines, he encouraged the new students to grow into leaders with a balanced perspective in a time of rapid change. 

During the subsequent Q&A session, members of the Class of 2025—Jongsu Jang, Haein Lee, and Hyojin Park—participated as mentors and shared practical advice. Specific examples drawn from real experiences—such as balancing work and study schedules, managing childcare alongside coursework, and handling academic responsibilities during business trips—helped new students better understand the realities of the program. 

The mentors emphasized, “Korea University’s MBA is an environment where members inspire and challenge one another, enabling individuals to expand their capabilities.” 

The event concluded with a signature Korea University tradition. New students came up to the stage in groups to share their personal goals and participated in a traditional “sabal” toast using personalized makgeolli bowls engraved with their names. Under the guidance of the university cheering squad, they learned the university’s cheer songs and enjoyed a performance by the student council band, filling the venue with vibrant energy. 

This orientation provided an opportunity for the Class of 2026 to share in the history and vision of Korea University’s MBA programs and to reaffirm the meaning of balancing academic study with professional responsibilities. Meanwhile, Korea University Business School continues to foster an environment where students can focus on their studies through well-structured academic programs and diverse networking opportunities.